Montevideo - Argentina's national team reached the final of the automatic entry in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His tragic, these achievements must be bagged after all the suffering of qualifying.


Argentina ensuring himself after submitting hosts Uruguay 1-0 in the final World Cup qualifying combat zone in South America at the Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Thursday (15/10/2009)

The success of Brujita The welcome veteran midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón. "We really suffered in the qualifying round. But everything ended well," said Veron as reported by Reuters on Thursday (15/10/2009).

"When you suffer any more significant achievement. Uatama We accomplish this goal," said the player's Estudiantes de La Plata.

"Now, coach Diego Maradona will take the time to find the Argentina team that the public prefers. It is not easy," he continued.

As you know, Argentina was almost eliminated or, at most, should follow the play-off after a time was the fifth in the standings. Delivering a victory over Uruguay Lionel Messi and others to the fourth. Four representatives from the South American teams qualify directly and the fifth team entitled to the playoffs.

Alberto Gilardino: We Performed on discipline in the Second Round

Parma - Alberto Gilardino appeared as the hero of the Italian national team to be beaten again at 3-2 Cyprus Ultimate Fight World Cup qualifying Group 8, early this morning. Gilardino's claim, this victory could not be separated from the performance are very good Gli Azzurri in the second half.


Yes, Italy is a poor performance in the first round. How could a new game in the 12th minute, the Italian goalkeeper, who accompanied the young goalkeeper, Marchetti had to give way through the action of Ioannis Okkas. Italy again surprised when Cyprus had double the advantage in the second half through Michael.

Behind two goals, the Italian courtier successfully demonstrated the mental, the defending champion (World Cup 2006). Slowly but surely, Gli Azzurri began to take control of the game. Its peak occurs at 12 minutes ahead of the game, when the Italian team's defense is completely blocked until a successful outcome turn things through Hattrick Gilardino.

"We realized, we will face a tough team. Physically, (Cyprus) is a very good player. A team beat Bulgaria 4.1 team is certainly not in vain," said Gilardino was quoted Datasport.it, Thursday (15/10 / 2009).

"We know that in the first round of Cyprus lot creates a problem for us. Therefore, we did not come with a good organinasi. But in the second half we were able to improve performance, we played well with short passes, and back to create problems for opponents, "he added.

"I think every player must always be ready to play while training. Tonight, it seemed pretty clean, especially in the second round, where we played ball control to play well. With this performance, he feels that can achieve better results than this, "Closing the former AC Milan striker who currently plays for Fiorentina.

Maradona: The victory for the people of Argentina

Montevido - Finally, Diego Maradona led the Argentine national team won a ticket to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa (South Africa). Maradona said: "I dedicate the victory to the people of Argentina."


Argentina guarantees a ticket to be representative of the South American zone, after the overthrow of Uruguay with a score of 1-0, with goals from Mario Bolatti registered only in the 85th minute.

"This victory for the people of Argentina and not journalists," Maradona said after the game. "Journalists treat me like garbage, but we leave with dignity."

"I dedicate this victory to the people of Argentina and my family. But one sector that did not deserve this victory was the press because they treat me like dirt," he said.

"It functions through the drain of our players, who play a male. Now I can concentrate as coach," said the 48-coach of the year was cited as a goal, on Thursday (15/10/2009).

Maradona also praised the play of Uruguay, which will appear in the play-off all year. "Uruguay are a good team and a coach like Tabarez I admire and respect," said Maradona.

"I think that Uruguay may be the 2010 World Cup. That's what I expected because I have many friends in this country," he said.

Argentina may be the place in World Cup 2010 South Africa

Montevideo - Argentina has to go through a long struggle to ensure an automatic ticket to qualify World Cup 2010. Tango Team takes about 85 minutes to subdue the 10-man Uruguay 1-0 in the World final combat zone qualifiers for the Copa CONMEBOL, Thursday (15/10/2009)

The Albicelestes deserved thanks to Mario Bolatti substitute in the match this time. Only Hurricane Target midfielder in the 84th minute, ensuring safe in Argentina 4 Conmebol the position of the zone classification. With a collection of 28 points, then the format of 4 Argentina complement area representative of the CONMEBOL team, along with Chile, Paraguay and Brazil at the top.

For Uruguay, the defeat was still making them able to open up opportunities to escape, even if this means that through the playoffs. However, the success of "La Celeste" to ensure that Uruguay play-off tickets, not a bad result away from Ecuador, while Chile was also the purpose of diluting the score 0-1. As a result, La Celeste firmly in fifth place with 24 collection points, or place the item on Ecuador. In the play-off later, Uruguay face four ranked CONCACAF zone, which remains controversial Costa Rica and Honduras.

In a heated match at the Estadio Centenario, Argentina and Uruguay, both equally need maximum points, which appears to attack. As a result, since the opening minutes of the game the two teams alternated giving threat to the opponent's goal.

Unfortunately, Argentina is filled duo Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi scored a goal failure. The same experienced duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who is only capable of making Uruguay fans beating heart, when opportunities are often the most fruitful target attackers. As a result, the first half ended with the score 0-0 glasses alias.

Entering the second half, both teams kept attacking game show. However, in the second half of this, Uruguay has more chances than Argentina. Missing one of them is difficult Forlan from outside the penalty area, which has just passed on the right side of escorted Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The match was one hour, both teams had still not scoring goals. Excellent opportunity to get both teams are very minimal set. It's very, very dominant in this game is a tough game that was shown at gross carrying both teams.

However, Uruguay is a tough game to pay what was exhibited in the 84th minute. Defender Martin Caceres rewarded a second yellow card after a violation of Jonas Gutierrez. Disaster for Uruguay was present after the Juventus defender left the field.

Argentina immediately able to harness the power of the number of players to score goals. From Juan Sebastián Verón hard shot from outside the box that hit the Uruguayan players, Mario Bolatti new entrants in the 80th minute, he managed to control the ball went wild and kick with the collapse horizontally to the left side is guarded goalkeeper Uruguayan Fernando Muslera. Argentina won 1-0.

Following these objectives, Celeste worked to equalize in the last five minutes. Unfortunately, the loss of a number of players Diego Forlan and his colleagues could not score a goal to balance and acknowledge the superiority of "The Albicelestes" even with a fine score 1-0.....[source]

Other Match Results Conmebol zone:

Peru 1-0 Bolivia
Venezuela 0-0 Brazil
Chile 1-0 Ecuador

Portugal look to play-offs with win over Malta

Portugal v Malta

Portugal can calm the frayed nerves of their long-suffering fans by beating lowly Malta on Wednesday to book a place in the World Cup play-offs.

• Madrid bemoan Ronaldo injury
• Carter: The final countdown

After impressing in recent tournaments, and with the world's most expensive player Cristiano Ronaldo on their side, Portugal started the campaign for South Africa 2010 as favourites to win Group One. But a 3-2 home defeat by Denmark, two scoreless draws against Sweden and inconsistent displays have deflated belief in Carlos Queiroz's side.

Queiroz was booed when his name was announced before the Hungary match on Saturday but Portugal won 3-0 and, with Sweden losing to leaders Denmark, are again favourites - this time to keep second place by beating Malta...[source]

Slovakia skipper vows to bounce back after defeat

Slovakia captain Robert Vittek has promised his side will bounce back from their defeat to Slovenia to seal a place in the World Cup finals.

Slovakia blew a great chance to guarantee a trip to South Africa at the weekend, but can still top Group Three with a win in Poland. If they slip up again, Slovenia can overtake them with a win against minnows San Marino and condemn Slovakia to the play-offs.

But Vittek said: ''This side has huge team spirit. We will perk up and win in Poland. Qualification will be ours. We have never been so close to qualifying. Maybe this was the problem (on Saturday). We allowed emotions to bring down our performance.''

Goalkeeper Jan Mucha made no attempt to play down the importance of Wednesday's tie. ''It will be a game of life and death in Poland,'' he said. ''We have no choice. We have to win and delight all Slovakian fans.''...[source]

Ardiles: Argentina may need a play-off to qualify

Ossie Ardiles knows the eyes of world football will be on Argentina's clash with Uruguay on Wednesday night, but the 1978 World Cup winner thinks that Diego Maradona's men will have to go through a play-off in order to reach South Africa.


Ardiles also warned that Diego Maradona is capable of any kind of unlikely team selection at the moment and has backed former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron to start.

"There has been talk about Lionel Messi being dropped, but I don't think so now,'' he said. ''Diego played two teams in practice leading up to the big game, and Messi was the joker, the only one to play in both teams. So, I cannot see how he can be left out, but you never know with Diego. Veron might be old now but he is playing well in Argentina, so it looks like Veron will play in midfield, so too will Javier Mascherano."...[source]

Wayne Rooney recalls World Cup red and as has no sympathy for Portugal

• 'It would be nice to see Portugal not there,' says Rooney
• Striker happy that Ronaldo was criticised after World Cup 2006

Wayne Rooney is the hope that Portugal and its former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo does not qualify for the finals next year. The England striker was sent off when the two countries met in 2006 and the aftermath of that incident has not been forgotten by Rooney.

England, who were beaten in the quarterfinals and Portugal also eliminated in the same stage of Euro 2004. "It would be nice to see Portugal there because [our] last two tournaments they have beaten us," Rooney said. Ronaldo's side, currently third in a group likely to be won by Denmark.

After Rooney stamped on Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho in the quarter finals in Cup, he led the protests and was shoved by Rooney before the referee, Hector Elizondo waved a red card in the 62nd minute. The Portugal forward then seemed a nod to his country coaches and substitutes on the bench....[source]

Fabio Capello invites Michael Owen to the England qualification party

• United striker asked to attend qualification celebration
• All players selected for England by Capello invited

Michael Owen has been asked to return to the fold of England at Wembley next week, if only as a guest of Fabio Capello, who has invited all the players selected by a team under his leadership to attend the final celebration of World Cup qualifying against Belarus.

Some 55 players who have featured in Italian, many of whom have not even made on match day squad, are expected to attend the game in the National Stadium, ending a successful qualifying campaign for South Africa Team 2010. In a rare show of sentiment, Capello and his general manager, Franco Baldini, have moved to maintain "team spirit" to offer their selections the opportunity to be present.

The Football Association has taken the necessary steps and the coach is inviting players who do not play a role in the evening in the clubhouse after the game Belarus in appreciation for their efforts during the spell of Capello as the national team until the date. England secured their place in the finals next summer in South Africa, with two games in hand, an impressive achievement, and the Italian invitation offers an idea of the importance it attaches to the power of collective success in charting a team....[source]

Diego Maradona's Argentina in danger of suffering an unthinkable end

In the third of a series of World Cup strugglers, we look at an Argentina side in desperate trouble


Catastrophe, disaster unthinkable. Three words used by Osvaldo Ardiles to describe his feelings all over Argentina at the prospect of their beloved Diego Maradona does not lead the country to World Cup next summer. It is, however, a definite perspective. "The next two games will decide the fate of Argentina, this is a difficult situation. Argentina is not an automatic qualification place is unthinkable, but a possibility," says Ardiles, who won the 1978 World Cup and an international team of The former teammate Diego.

Maradona's reign as coach, which started 10 games in the qualifiers after Alfio Basile's resignation last November, has been a reflection of the unstable life of the former cocaine addict. Earlier this week threatened to walk out, saying his appointment had made him supremely happy "but then things happened that I liked." Aimed at Carlos Bilardo, Maradona's former technical director, as his special adviser who now has a fractious relationship with 48 years of age, this comment could also be Maradona offered an honest assessment of management history....[source]

Argentine World Cup veterans defend Diego Maradona

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — World Cup veterans Javier Mascherano and Juan Veron have thrown their support behind embattled Argentina coach Maradona ahead of Saturday's crucial qualifier against Peru.

"Maradona has all our support," Liverpool midfielder Mascherano said after a closed training session Wednesday at the general headquarters of the Argentine Football Association. "He's the coach and he knows what he does."

His comments come a day after Maradona, acknowledged as one of football's greatest ever players, said he may quit as coach if he cannot continue on his terms, even if Argentina qualifies for South Africa 2010.

Estudiantes de Argentina playmaker Veron, who is unavailable for the Peru match due to a suspension, defended Maradona's stance.....[source]

African Debate: Will Angola Be Ready For African Cup Of Nations 2010?

Angola face the task of hosting the top national teams in African football in a few short months, but questions have arisen concerning their preparations and ability to welcome the sixteen finalists from around the continent.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), recently denied rumors of a plan to end next year's Africa Cup of Nations Angola on concern that preparations were delayed, but the rumors seem to be based on general concerns about preparedness that Angola is in

CAF few weeks ago held a meeting and one of the topics on the agenda was apparently the preparedness are Angola with regard to continental masterpiece. A CAF spokesman told AFP that the meeting in Cairo was an adventure race of the mill scheduled months ago.

"There is absolutely no debate about the tournament that took in Angola," said press spokesman. "These rumors are completely baseless. This is a normal meeting, which had been planned long ago."......

Road To Africa: The Path To World Cup 2010 Qualification

Want to know which countries can reach South Africa in this week's round of World Cup matches? Look no further...


The World Cup of 2010 is already taking shape, with eleven of the 32 teams on offer having already staked a claim towards a tournament berth.

The teams who have already qualified:

South Africa (CAF - as hosts)
Japan (AFC)
Australia (AFC)
South Korea (AFC)
Netherlands (UEFA)
North Korea (AFC)
Brazil (CONMEBOL)
Ghana (CAF)
England (UEFA)
Spain (UEFA)
Paraguay (CONMEBOL)

So, that leaves space for 21 more countries. The table is filling up fast with qualifiers - and many more can seal the way for doing so as we enter the final round in October.

Here we highlight these, and we also provide links to the World Cup qualifying tables, results and fixtures so that you can see the state of play.

Kenyan Striker Dennis Oliech Dropped For Tunisia Clash

Oliech was once a prolific goal-scorer for the national team but he has had a dry spell recently and has been left out of the squad to face the north Africans...

Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech has been quietly dropped from the national team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Tunisia. The news emerged only yesterday when the striker said that his club has not received a letter requesting his release a day after the team had left for Tunis.

Oliech told The Standard: "I cannot make it for the Tunisia match, because Football Kenya has not sent a letter to my club requesting for my release."

“Auxerre have said it is too late now and they cannot release me to honour the game," he added.

Martin Palermo Set To Partner Lionel Messi In Argentina's Attack For Crucial World Cup Qualifier

'The Titan' will have an opportunity to prove his worth against Peru...

Diego Maradona, the Argentina coach, is more than likely to include the Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo of Argentina in the attack to face Peru in the heats of the decisive World Cup on Saturday.

Maradona surprised many by including Palermo in his squad for the World Cup qualifier last month, but now it appears that the veteran will get a chance to show his attacking skills from the opening kickoff.

Palermo, who scored his 200th goal for Argentina against the defending champion Velez Sarsfield in the weekend, will partner Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in Argentina's intimidating attack.

Resigning Is A Personal Decision - Juan Veron On Diego Maradona's Future

'La Brujita' believes it would be a good idea for Maradona's demands to be met...

Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón believes that the transition of Diego Maradona coaching has not been easy and so he wants to impose its conditions.

"We know that Diego, we know how the same and never shuts up. It's a personal decision and I think that is a possible solution, more than anything, has to come from the AFA president [Julio Grondona]," Veron told Radio La Red

Asked whether Maradona's anger was due to late arrival of Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta, who on Monday played for his club in the English League, Veron said only: "There to get in the position of the coach who has only a few days to prepare the team for a match. "

Diego Maradona Threatens To Quit The Argentine National Team

'El Diez' will evaluate whether he will remain at the helm at the conclusion of the World Cup qualifiers...

Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine national team, affirmed that he hasn't liked several things since he was appointed, and that he will have to evaluate whether he will continue in the position at the conclusion of the World Cup qualifiers.

"I have a commitment with the guys, having said yes to Julio [Grondona] when he invited me to his house asking me to coach the national team was something very nice, but then came lots of things that I didn't like, and we will discuss them later on," said Maradona.

An annoyed Maradona told the press that he will only stay on "under his conditions", and although he didn't reveal what he wants changed exactly, he stated that a solution must be found.

Villa ruled out for Spain

David Villa has been ruled out of Spain's final two World Cup qualifiers with a muscle tear in his right leg.

The Valencia striker, who has six goals in six games so far this season in La Liga suffered the injury in his side's 1-0 win over Racing Santander on Sunday.

The club confirmed tonight on their official website the injury is likely to keep him out for three weeks, meaning he will miss Spain's meeting with Armenia on Saturday and with Bosnia-Herzegovina the following Wednesday.

That prognosis would also see Villa miss Valencia's Primera Division encounter with champions Barcelona on October 18.

European Championship holders Spain have already qualified for the World Cup, having won all eight of their qualifiers to date to sit top of Group Five.

Grella looks ahead to Asian Cup

Has Australia midfielder Vince Grella downplayed Saturday night's friendly against Holland, which declares the Asian Cup clash with Oman four days later is of utmost importance.



The team is meeting in Australia in Sydney ahead of a two-party pattern is to assume the Dutch, ranked world number three, in the SFS before flying to Melbourne to meet Oman on October 14.

Pim Verbeek men urgently need maximum points against the Omanis to hold a qualifying campaign faltering Asian Cup, which has a single point from two games.

"I would not be getting too carried by the outcome, whether positive or negative,''said Blackburn midfielder Grella clash with the Netherlands, which have Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder and Ryan Babel, among its galaxy of stars......

Lescott and Robinson ruled out of England squad

England, Fabio Capello has named Joe Hart and Gary Cahill in his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine and Belarus after injuries to Paul Robinson and Joleon Lescott.

Blackburn goalkeeper Robinson will return to his club after a hip problem, while Lescott heads back to Manchester City after a calf problem picked up in the Premier League draw at Aston Villa last night.

Ben Foster explained the omission as a chest injury, Hart has been rewarded for a solid start to his loan period at Birmingham.

Palermo stars for Maradona's Argentina

Martin Palermo led Argentina to a 2-0 win over Ghana as Diego Maradona's side prepare for the culmination of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Boca Juniors' record goalscorer gave Argentina a two-goal lead by half-time as the Albicelestes sought an impressive win in Cordoba despite playing with a domestically-based squad.

Palermo, who turns 36 next month, captained Argentina and opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a volley, after a Luciano Fabian Monzon cross from the left.

Eleven minutes later, the attacker headed a cross from his club team-mate Federico Insua to widen the gap over the Africans, who have already booked a berth in the World Cup finals...[source]

Milito blow for Argentina

Argentina striker Diego Milito is set to miss the World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.

The Inter Milan player suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh during Saturday's 2-1 win over Udinese.

A statement from Inter read: "The Argentina striker has suffered a first degree strain in his right thigh.

"The club's medical staff has sent the necessary documents to the Argentina Federation in view of the next World Cup qualifiers."

Milito, who joined Inter from Genoa this summer and is the Nerazzurri's top scorer with five goals, could be sidelined for at least a month.

His absence is a blow for Inter and Argentina.

The Albiceleste go into Saturday's qualifier in Buenos Aires on a run of four defeats in the last five games, and currently lie in the play-off position in the South American zone...[source]

FIFA Concludes Successful Inspection Tour Of 2010 Stadiums

An intense inspection of South Africa's stadiums has been completed, and the signs look positive...

Greenpoint 2010 Stadium - Cape Town

A delegation of 50 members of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa (OC) and FIFA successfully completed an inspection of the five stages of new construction and the Soccer City stadium to date.

After traveling 4,000 kilometers in six cities in six days to run the rule over the new stadiums, the experts concluded that the operational preparations are underway for all stadiums to be completed by the end of the year.

"This has been a very successful inspection visit for us. Where once you had to see the walls and seats, which have now been able to walk freely in the stadium as it will be during the tournament," said the head of the CO delegation, the head of Derek Blanckensee official competitions in a press release...[source]

Champions League Team Of The Week: Matchday 2

Goal.com runs through the best in show from this week's fixtures...

Best Formation: 4-5-1

Goalkeeper

Antonios Nikopolidis - Olympiacos

An outstanding performance from the 38-year-old veteran against Arsenal at the Emirates. The George Clooney doppelganger showed agility and anticipation of a man half his age and harnessed his back-four impeccably. The Greeks deserved more as a result of his efforts.

Defence

Daniel Alves - Barcelona

The Brazilian played as a spare midfielder for most of the victory against Dynamo Kyiv, getting down the right flank and producing some dangerous through-balls and crosses. A vital cog in the Blaugrana's attacking machine.

Bruno Alves - Porto

Admittedly, Atletico Madrid are a side out of sorts at the moment but nonetheless, the Portugal international defender made Sergio Aguero look ordinary with a thorough and dominant 90 minutes at the Dragao.

Alessandro Gamberini - Fiorentina

An assured display from the Viola central defender against Liverpool. The aggressive and deceptively quick stopper gave Fernando Torres no joy and was well deserving of a clean sheet following an outstanding team display.

Cristian Ansaldi - Rubin Kazan

The Argentine left-back clocked in an outstanding showing against the Italian champions, Inter. He was involved in much of the Russian side's attacking play and was calm and assured in possession.

Midfield

Jesus Navas - Sevilla

The Spanish winger was consistent over the duration of the game against Rangers, providing the Andalusians with a constant supply of creativity and crosses. He could have added a goal himself but will be content to have assisted the opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Real Madrid

Confident and brash as always, CR9' showed a clinical touch in front of goal yet again and also forced Marseille's Steve Mandanda into action on more than one occasion. Could have had a hat-trick had he taken the penalty he earned for his side.

Andrey Arshavin - Arsenal

His flair and vision were fleetingly on show until the 86th minute, when he despatched a memorable strike. The Gunners have come to rely on the Russian for his consistency and proficiency in possession. He does not let them down.

Dusan Djuric - FC Zurich

The outstanding player at San Siro on a significant night for his team; the Swedish international cut a confident swath through midfield and imbued his colleagues with a sense of belief as Zurich shocked the fabled AC Milan in their own back yard.

Attack

Miralem Pjanic - Olympique Lyonnais

Another exceptionally mature performance from the young Bosnia player; this time against Debrecen. He assisted both Kim Kallstrom and Sidney Govou before capping his night off with a textbook free kick as the French team plundered four.

Stevan Jovetic - Fiorentina

A class apart and, perhaps, the stand-out player of the entire matchday. He took his brace superbly and was the driving force behind Fiorentina's victory over the Reds. His movement between the lines had the Liverpool defence chasing shadows and he was deservedly the difference between the sides.

Line Up

Nikopolidis

Dani Alves Bruno Alves Gamberini Ansaldi

Navas Arshavin Djuric Ronaldo

Pjanic

Jovetic

Union confirms Bolivia players' national boycott

Bolivia's players will boycott the national team's World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Peru in the next fortnight, their union Fabol said on Wednesday.

"None of those (players) called up will go to the (team's) concentration," Fabol's executive secretary Milton Melgar, a former Bolivia midfielder, told a news conference.

Fabol announced in mid-September that their members were resigning from the national team indefinitely in demand of major changes to the structure of the domestic game.

Bolivia coach Erwin Sanchez named a 22-man squad on Tuesday for the matches at home to Brazil on Oct. 11 and away to Peru on Oct. 14 and said they would gather on Thursday to begin their preparations...[source]

Algeria’s Rabie Meftah Reacts To Being Dropped By Rabah Saadane

The JSK defender is disappointed but says he will work harder to stay in consideration for a national team place.



Rabah Saadane Moments after he revealed his list of qualification for next Fennecs' World Cup against Rwanda, Algeria international right-back to Al Rabie Meftah Heddaf spoke about his disappointment of being left out of the squad.

"I'm taking, I'm trying to stay positive. I have just been informed about the decision. It is true that I am a little disappointed not to be called up.'d Be lying if I suggested otherwise. I am ambitious, well who would have loved to join this list, "he said.

"However, this is not the end of the world. I am still young. No doubt there will be other opportunities in the future depends on me to stay in the chase."...[source]

Mahamadou Diarra Back In Mali Squad

Mali have been quick to recall the influential midfielder...


Mahamadou Diarra , Real Madrid have been named in the Mali team for the first time since recovering from a knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines for almost a year.

The 28-year-old returned to action against Villarreal last week and was immediately recalled by his country to the next qualifying for the World Cup against Sudan....[source]t

Argentina 2-0 Ghana: Superb Martin Palermo Double Hands Albicelestes Motivating Win

The two-time world champions proved too strong for the Africans...

Martin Palermo scored twice to hand Argentina confidence boosting 2-0 win over Ghana in a friendly at the Olympic Stadium in Cordoba on Wednesday night.

Argentina, which resulted in a home based side completely dominated Ghana mediocre side with incisive attacking football. Africans were also without their regular team members first.

The Albicelestes created several goal scoring opportunities early in the game, but faltered when it came down to finishing them off.

After much pressure, Argentina finally went ahead in the 28th minute when Fabian Monzon caught teammate Boca Juniors Martin Palermo with a precise left-right cross, and the veteran made no mistake with an excellent volley...[source]

Response Aimar, Messi Back

Lisbon - Benfica midfielder Pablo Aimar "flight" when I heard rave reviews for Lionel Messi returned to call himself the coach Argentina Diego Maradona team. Players honor 29 years as it gets high praise from players as The Messiah.

Aimar will be present again in the albiceleste team after an absence of two years. He will fill the Argentina midfield battle in the remaining two World Cup qualifiers in 2010.

Hearing the news, torn Maradona Messi welcomed the decision. He felt Aimar is a player who could save the team from the abyss of failure and went to South Africa.

Aimar turned shyly now exploding star of Barcelona, "My Front straight red when he heard the words Messi. I'm flattered, let alone say out of the mouth of the best players in the world like him."

For heavy work that will later, the former Valencia player was still trying to be optimistic.

"Back in Argentina uniform is a great challenge for me. The situation now is very difficult, but I think Argentina will be appearing at the World Cup," he said as reported by Goal.com on Thursday (1.10.2009 ).

Aussie Analysis: Is There A Place For A-League Socceroos At The World Cup?

There isn't much hope for A-League players pushing for a place on the plane to South Africa, writes Goal.com's Chris Paraskevas.

Pim Verbeek, Australia

A whisper quiet full Captain Bar Sydney Football Stadium, sparsely populated, despite the imminent announcement of a certain Pim Verbeek ahead of the visit of a national security team to capture the attention of football fans even more apathetic.

While most sports journalists were involved in the hype surrounding the arrival in Australia Roy Jones Jr., the few who decided to settle the FSS is given perhaps the best indicator of what to expect that football - and not the boxing - is dominating the headlines in the months of June and July next year.

Verbeek, 24-man squad was intensively studied by the media present, each trying to solve the big names missing before roasting Dutchman generally calm.

Each knew that less than 12 months beyond the World Cup, this was the strongest indicator yet of the squad that the Dutchman would take to South Africa...[source]